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Michigan State Football: 5 best Dantonio era moments in Michigan rivalry

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson #20 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the football into to end zone for the game winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the final seconds of college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson #20 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the football into to end zone for the game winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the final seconds of college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines 27-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SETPEMBER 19: Larry Caper #22 of the Michigan State Spartans scores a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 33-30. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SETPEMBER 19: Larry Caper #22 of the Michigan State Spartans scores a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 33-30. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3. Larry Caper game-winning TD (2009)

Just a year after Mike Hart’s infamous “little brother” comments, Michigan State had earned its first win against the Wolverines in the Mark Dantonio era. In 2009, Michigan State had a chance to earn its first back-to-back wins in the series since 1965-67 — yes, you read that right.

Michigan and Michigan State played a back-and-forth battle and headed into overtime with a 20-20 tie. The Wolverines got the ball to start overtime after storming back following a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and the momentum was on their side.

Tate Forcier — remember that name? — faced a critical third-and-5 from inside the Spartans’ 10-yard-line in that first overtime possession. He rolled to his right and tossed the ball into the back of the end zone. It was tipped by the Spartans and a diving Chris L. Rucker came up with the biggest interception of his life.

On Michigan State’s next possession, all it needed to do was set up for a field goal, but the momentum was clearly on the Spartans’ side.

Larry Caper capitalized on the deflated Wolverines with a game-winning touchdown run.

Just look at the way he shed off that Michigan defender. The entire ending of this game was a thing of beauty.

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